From Calendar of the Soul School Newsletter · From Calendar of the Soul by Rudolf Steiner School...

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School NewsletterFrom Calendar of the Soul by Rudolf Steiner

Within the Light from heights of CosmosThat wills to flow into my soul

May there appear, soul-riddles solving,The Cosmic Thinking’s certainty,

Collecting all its powerful raysAnd love in human hearts awakening.

Sophia Mundi Steiner School @sophiamundisteinerschool

Next Newsletter deadline: Wednesday, 20 September.

IMPORTANT DATES Please also see our online website calendar

Mon 11 Sept Class 3 Play, 10am & 3:30pm

Mon 11 Sept Whole School Meeting: 7-9pm (School Hall) • Sharing of School Improvement Plan (SIP) Values & Goals

• Dr Shelley Davidow workshop

Wed 13 Sept Annual Music Concerts (Bakehouse Studios) Annual Music Concert #1 -5-6pm Annual Music Concert #2 -7-8:30pm

Mon 18 Sept IPL Excursion: Archery, 12.45-3.25pmWed 20 Sept Cls 8 Play: King Lear, from 6:30pmWed 20 Sept Prep Last Day Term 3 & Spring Festival Thu 21 Sept Cls 1-12 Last Day Term 3 & Spring FestivalWed 20 Sept Cls 8 Play: King Lear, from 11:30amFri 22 Sept Staff Curriculum Day

FUTURE EVENT DATES:

Fri 06 Oct Staff Curriculum Day

06-15 Oct IB Visual Arts Exhibition Wed 11 Oct - Opening Night (St Heliers Gallery)

Mon 09 Oct TERM 4 FIRST DAY: Prep-12

Sat 11 Nov Set up Day: Sophia Mundi Open Day

Sun 12 Nov Sophia Mundi Open Day

Class 10 - Rock climbing at Mt Arapilies

Dear Parents and Guardians, Spring is here and movement is around us at present, even though the temperature is so very wintry. Spare a moment for Class 10 students who have been rock climbing at Mt Arapilies. The Arapilies rise steeply out of the wheat and canola plains of the Wimmera. As part of the experience they have been studying the geological development of the

region and making connections to their Class 5 Botany camp.

Communication and the art of being human. Over the recent weeks I have had the privilege (albeit hard at times) to be a part of some difficult, honest conversations. This has highlighted the consciousness we all must hold in being present and compassionate. There are always many sides to a situation and it can take time to see the whole. When we role model healthy human relationships for our youth, where inner courage and reflection are present, we begin to build the platform for their future. I am ever thankful that I work with colleagues, families and students who are both courageous and vulnerable. As a School, we strive to build hope, strengthen heart forces, foster intuition and the formation of an inspirational person.

Whole School Meeting: Wednesday, 11 September 7-9pm School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Dr Shelley Davidow w/shop

We have leaped at the opportunity to work with Dr Shelley Davidow again. The Whole School Meeting will combine the values and goal sharing for the SIP with Shelley’s workshop on ‘Creating Stress-Proof Homes’, Raising Stress-Proof kids’ and Respectful Relationships. Details of Dr Shelley Davidow’s work can be viewed at: http://www.shelleydavidow.com/

I urge all families to send a parent or guardian to this evening. This is an evening for all staff and families across the school, from Early Childhood to the Senior School.

Dr Shelley Davidow will also be working with students from Classes 5 – 11 on Monday 11 September, to strengthen our human communication with each other as part of Sophia Mundi’s ‘Respectful Relationships’ programme.

Annual Music Concerts: Wednesday, 14 September Concert 1: 5pm / Concert 2: 7pm

“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning” - Plato.

The Annual Music Concert on is an opportunity for our young musicians and instrumental music tutors to share their achievements. We all need the harmony, rhythm, the deep inner place where music can take us. Being a part of a choir, an ensemble or an orchestra should be a fundamental part of every child’s education, so they establish a connection with music that can grow with them throughout their life. Please choose the concert you wish to attend and book your tickets so as not to miss out!

IB Visual Arts Class 12: Opening Night Wednesday 11 October This week I had a preview of some of our Class 12’s major works as they are being handed in for assessment. They are extraordinary and a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students and the skilled guidance and care of our Teachers. All of our IB Diploma major works will be on display from 6-15 October (the first week of Term 4) at St Heliers Gallery (Cam’s Kiosk)

With the quality of light changing so rapidly and the warmth, flowers and colours of Spring calling us. I am reminded to take the time to treasure what is dear– our children, our community and our loved ones. Warm regards, Fiona Cock – Principal

REMINDERS

Convent Building works – Please enter the Convent grounds via Gate 1. Using Gate 2 is a safety risk! Please do not place you or child/ren in this position. The walk along the path is beautiful & well worth the extra minutes.

Mobile Phone Policy: From our past Community Conversations, a clear decision was reached to role model mobile phone and e-device usage. As such, I request that we all, adults and students, refrain from mobile phone use in the School’s community locations.

2Term 3, September 8 2017 www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

PREP SPRING FESTIVALThe Prep Spring Festival is on Wednesday 20th September, starting at 11.30am

This is for Prep families only. Please wear the colours of the rainbow...no black for Winter has past and we rejoice! We shall dance and sing and feast and be merry. The children are looking forward to sharing a joyous festival and a happy last day of Term 3.

Winter good bye, Winter good bye

You may no longer stay

Springtime is coming our way

Winter good bye, Winter good bye

A light exists in Spring : To rejoice the returning of Spring and new growth, Sophia Mundi is holding its Spring Festival.

The Festival is on the last day of Term 3: Thursday, 21 September, 1.45 - 3:15pm. Being held in the Heart Courtyard, all members of the School Community are invited to join us!

The Maypole, an old Germanic Pagan tradition, involves weaving ribbons in an intricate dance. The Maypole is a symbol of the rebirth of nature, and connected to Yggdrasil, the world tree of Norse mythology.

We ask for the children to wear white, pastel or floral clothing. It would be wonderful if you could bring in flowers and vines for garlands on Thursday morning.

Lady, weave your circle tight

With a web of living light

Earth and Air and Fire and Water

Bind us to you.

SPRING FESTIVAL 2017

RESILIENCE, RIGHTS AND RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR)

This year Sophia Mundi took on the exciting challenge to be a leading school in the Education Department’s roll out of the Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationship program. It is a program devised specifically to work with the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence (RCFV) that was tabled in Victorian parliament in 2016.

This Royal Commission found that the primary cause of family violence was gender inequality. The RCFV was conducted because of the alarming statistics around family violence. Did you know that one woman dies every week as a result of family violence?

The RRRR program acknowledges that schools have been working strongly in the area of rights, resilience and respect but this work needs a stronger focus on Gender Equity to enable the cultural change that is needed to reduce family violence.

To find out more we will have further Newsletter articles on this topic and discussions in the regular Parent College gatherings. (Tuesdays 9:30 -10:30 in the Cottage/ Aftercare room)

Specific Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships questions can be addressed to:

• Tanya Rao, Class 7 Teacher ([email protected]),

• Katherine Ellis, PE Coordinator & Welfare Officer ([email protected])

• Maria Fraser, Extra Lesson Teacher ([email protected])

Further information and resources:

Statistics - https://www.berrystreet.org.au/

Royal Commission into Family Violence - http://www.rcfv.com.au/

The RRRR Program - http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/respectfulrelabout.aspx


Sophia Mundi Sophia Mundi

Welcome to Spring!

Our Sophia Mundi Open Day / Spring Fair will be on Sunday 12 November - Just 8 weeks away. Time to start planning our Class activities!

Below is the allocation of proposed class stalls for the open day. Please connect with your class carers to help with preparations and fill out rosters for the stalls, set up and pack up on the day.

The Open Day / Spring Fair is a whole-of-school coming together to celebrate the work of our children and teachers, and is a highlight of our school year.

It is a considerable effort for a small community and requires all our contribution - but one that is well rewarded.

In addition to the class duties, we need a number of extra volunteers to help with additional activities and organising roles.

If you can contribute, please let us know.

For further information about class activities, holding a market stall, or volunteering please contact [email protected]

Class Carers or Open Day / Spring Fair nominees, please contact: [email protected] to be connected with a coordinator. Last year’s stalls were:

• Prep - Children’s Tent

• Class 1 - Cake and Coffee

• Class 2 - Pizza

• Class 3 - Sausages & Veggie Burgers

• Class 4 - Woodwork & Felting activity

• Class 5 - Softserve ice-cream

• Class 6 - Lemonade

• Class 7 - Children’s Games & Maze

• Class 8 - Indian Food & Paella

• Class 9 - White Elephant Stall

• Class 10 - Craft Stall

• Class 11 & 12 IB - Own stall

Other stalls and activities requiring volunteers:

• Face Painting

• Pocket Lady

• Market Stall Coordinator

• Marketing Angles

• Open Day Coordinators

Sophia MundiOPEN DAY 2017

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1720MusicConcert

Annual

Wednesday 13 September

Concert 1 5-6pm

Concert 2 7-8:30pm

$5 Child$8 Adult

An intimate evening of

music featuring Secondary

School Music Ensembles,

Solos, & Duos

Bakehouse Studios25 Little Hoddle Street, Richmond

Bookings essential: No ticket sales at the door or venue

trybooking.com/297366

www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

Book your Annual Music Concert Tickets - for either the 5pm or the 7pm concert (or both!) Due to the venue size - bookings are essential for each show. There are no ticket sales on the door, or at the venue. The audience will exit the venue in between shows so the space can reset for Concert 2.

Term 3, September 8 2017 www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

CONCERT 1: 5-6PM

Ensembles: Guitar, Cello, Class 6 Percussion, & Sophia Strings. Soloists: Amelia Kokkinos (violin), Sienna Van Gastel-Peck (voice), Artemis Klerides (piano), Oscar Lyons (piano). Duo: Music Staff duo - Naomi Durston (violin), and Chien-Hsiu Ong (cello).

CONCERT 2: 7-8:30PM

Ensembles: Accelerando Strings, Guitar, Sophia Wayfarer’s, Percussion, Contemporary Band. Soloists: Claudia Bates (cello), Pia Cassidy (voice), Madeleine Chadwick (piano), Aksel Van Gastel-Peck (guitar), Max Parritt (marimba), Solomon Harvey (piano). Duos & Groups: Clay Arnott-Ford & Dante Lacota (guitar duo); Class 7 Band - Jasper Conigrave (viola), Emerald Bates (drums), Sofia Riquelme (bass); Sarah Cornhels (violin) & Band - Akina Bott (drums), Lola McLean (guitar), Sofia Riquelme (bass); Music Staff quartet - Naomi Durston & Alex Keusch (violin), Myfanwy Hunter (viola), Chien-Hsiu Ong (cello).

VOLUNTEERING at POLLY WOODSIDEDuring the last Term break I spent a day as a

volunteer on the Polly Woodside - a tall ship berthed at Southbank, Melbourne. Here I am in the hold of the ship. I am putting “yarn”,a kind of fibrous string, onto one of the mast cables. There were two jobs done that day; stripping the old yarn off the cable, then wrapping it with new yarn. The tool I used was called a mallet which is basically a spool of yarn on a handle with a hook on the end which keeps the yarn

taut while wrapping it around the cable.

George Hamilton, Class 9 student

Right: Antonia (Class 1) recently completed her first ever judo competition. She is 6 and competed in the under 9 age division in a Judo Victoria competition. She came first in the team event and got a bronze in the individual event. Pictured: Antonia, her coach and team mates.

Left: This was Max’s (Class 5) first year competing in the under 15 division of the 2017 Australian National Judo Championship. He narrowly missed on making the final but won a bronze medal in the repecharge.


Special Offer – the cOnvent’S MuSic in the rOund: Sun 24 Sept

In two weeks Abbotsford Convent will come to life with classical music, with Music

in the Round 2017, showcasing some of Australia’s finest musicians on Sunday 24 September. Thanks to our friends at the

Convent, we’re offering our Sophia Mundi Community 15% off standard ticket prices. Visit abbotsfordconvent.com.au for concert

information, where you can find a link to the Melbourne Recital Centre for tickets.

Enter the promo code ‘round’ when purchasing tickets online.

abbOtSfOrd cOnvent recOgniSed On natiOnal heritage liSt

On Thursday 31 August 2017, the Abbotsford Convent joined iconic landmarks including the Royal Exhibition Building, Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in achieving

the country’s highest level of heritage recognition. Becoming the 111th site added to the National

Heritage List, the Abbotsford Convent’s place on the National Heritage List will help protect

the site’s future for generations to come, while honouring those who were affected by its past.

CRAFTY SUCCESS IN CLASS 2These proud productive crafters are presenting their beautiful woven recorder pouches and knitted winter-busting beanies.

Stay tuned for further celebrations of fine work from happy crafters in the lower primary school. We do love what we do. The children and I are sincerely grateful for the very generous assistance of our new Kashmiri friend and volunteer Teacher, Jaya Masaldan.

Margaret Perversi, Craft Teacher (Primary)

FAMILY LITERARY LINKS

I recently visited my second cousin Sarah Fisher, who has published a book called “The 13th Key”. The story follows Noah, a deaf girl who is whisked away to the planet of Talisker on a mission to find the 13th Key. Harry Potter fans would love it!

It is recommended for ages 12 and up. Sarah has kindly donated a copy of her book to the School Library.

Maggie Diehm, Class 6 student

Left: Brigit (Alumni) and Macgregor (Class 11) were recently nominated for the Northcote Leader Sports Star Program.

Macgregor, will kayak for Australia this September in the Olympic Hopes regatta in the Czech Republic. Brigit is a canoe polo star and represented Australia in the Oceania championship held last year in New Zealand.

NORTHCOTE LEADER SPORTS STAR NOMINATIONS

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Gambling has never been so heavily promoted and accessible, especially through sport. This makes it feel like a normal part of the game and harder for students to recognise the potential harm.

On Wednesday 18 October 2017, Sarah Doherty, from the Gamblers’ Help section of the Melbourne Counselling Service of the Salvation Army, will present a free parent information session at Independent Schools Victoria.

This parent information session for Independent school parents has been developed by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation as part of the ‘Love the Game’ School Education program. Based on the latest research, this free prevention initiative helps students to develop healthy and informed attitudes to avoid harm in the future.

In this session, parents will learn about:

• Key issues related to gambling and young people • practical ways to encourage your child to be a critical thinker in an environment where gambling is being increasingly normalised

• Strategies to help reduce potential exposure to gambling messages

• Where to seek help if concerned.

While the seminar is free, registration is required. Send an email to [email protected] with the words ‘Parent Seminar’ in the subject line and your name and others attending the seminar in the body of the email.

Seminar: Students and Sports Gambling

When: Wednesday 18 October: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm

Where: Independent Schools Victoria 40 Rosslyn Street, West Melbourne, 3003

Parents’ Seminar: Gambling and Students

Term 3, September 8 2017 www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Whole School Meeting

Monday 11September 7-9pm

School Eurythmy

Hall

A community evening of sharing Sophia Mundi’s:

School Improvement Plan (SIP) Values & Goals

Dr Shelley Davidow workshop

‘Creating Stress-Proof Homes’, Raising Stress-Proof kids’/ Respectful Relationships.


LEARN TO PADDLE CANOES & KAYAKS On the Yarra river at

FAIRFIELD CANOE CLUB!

With the weather starting to warm up, now is a great time to learn to paddle. Fairfield Canoe Club offers a series of beginner kayak and canoe classes for adults and older children. A number of Sophia Mundi students are already paddling on Saturday afternoons at Fairfield in their junior (8-12yo) program.

Saturday 09 September, from 12pm “Come and try Canoes and Kayaks” day

16/17 & 23/24 September: 4 session “Beginners and Beyond Kayaks” course

Bookings online at http://fairfieldcanoeclub.org.au/kayak/classes - book asap as these classes are filling up rapidly!

Fairfield is also working on developing a program for 13-17 year old students and has an active junior canoe polo program led by Brigit Doyle. Brigit and Macgregor were also featured recently in the Leader newspaper article for their sporting endeavours.

More details, contact Rowan Doyle: [email protected] or fairfieldcanoeclub.org.au. Fairfield Canoe Club; 9 The Esplanade in Fairfield. (NOT the Boathouse)

CONVENT: SACRED HEART HARD ARTS STUDIOS!

With the refurbishment of the Sacred Heart Buildings - I am keen to apply for one of the (preferably large) Sacred

Heart hard arts studios at the Abbotsford Convent to serve as a multi-use, community creative and making space. However, I live to share, and would be too lonely on my own!

If you are interested in being part of this in any way - as a maker, a hobbyist, a workshop leader, an artist/creative, a parent, a collaboration of co-tenants, anything - please contact me via email, phone or in person! Come and find me for a chat or brainstorm at Cam’s Cafe any weekday morning 8.30-9.30am.

Evie Liolios (mother of Yani, Class 7 [email protected] | 0403 324 5801

MASSAGE AND BODYWORK

I am a parent at Sophia Mundi with qualifications in Remedial/Relaxation Massage and Reiki. It is my intention to make massage easy and available for busy parents and teachers so that there are no more excuses for not taking care of yourself and your body!

HENCE, here are my offerings: • “ But- I- have- no- time- for a massage”:

35min massage

• “ I-might-have- little-more-time”: 45min massage with warming footbath - ooohh lovely!

• “I- might- have- an- hour- to -spare –after –school –drop-off” 60min massage (with or without footbath).

• “YES!, I really need a massage!” 90min seriously good full body massage

I am located just around the corner at: 395 Johnston St Abbotsford

Contact: Kathryn | 0413 042 245 Member MMA | Private Health Rebates available

LIVING RELATIONSHIPS: Screen friendS vS real friendS

Dear School Community,

In Prep we learn a lot about living in community. We learn how to care for each other and ourselves. We learn something every day - little revelations and epiphanies are always near. We learn how to be a social ‘human being’. Sometimes the lessons are hard learnt - but the satisfaction is always worth the challenge.

Relationships are what living is all about - recognising true relationships and how we maintain and grow them with another human beings.

Victoria Prooday is an internationally-known Occupational Therapist, blogger, educator, and motivational speaker on modern-day, common sense parenting. She has a number of great articles and resources on her site “Your Occupational Therapist (OT)” www.yourot.com

In her recent article, she discusses the topic of letting ‘screen friends’ go - it is best to have ‘real friends’. I hope you enjoy this article. https://yourot.com/parenting-club/2016/5/16/why-our-children-are-so-bored-at-school-cant-wait-and-get-so-easily-frustrated.

Happy relating! Rene MacKay – Prep Teacher


Our vision is to educate individuals who can meet the future out of a sense of inner freedom and purpose.

We draw inspiration from Rudolf Steiner:

“What should be taught and cultivated…must be drawn solely from a knowledge of the growing human being and of individual capacities...The question should not be: What does a human being need to know and be able to do for the society that now exists? But rather: What capacities are latent in this human being, and what lies within, that can be developed? Then it will be possible to bring ever new forces into the society from the rising generations. The life of the social order will be what is made of it by a succession of fully developed human beings who take their place in the society. The rising generation should not be moulded into what the existing social order chooses to make of it.”

SOPHIA MUNDI Limited A.B.N. 44 006 411 016

St Marys, Abbotsford Convent 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Victoria 3067 Australia

T 03 9419 9229 F 03 9419 0835 E [email protected]

From Calendar of the Soul School Newsletter · From Calendar of the Soul by Rudolf Steiner School...

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